The

American Sign Language

Handshape Game Cards
BeNjAmIN j. BAHAN & FrANk ALLeN pAuL

Visit us at www.dawnsign.com for more great ASL products.

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual-gestural language used by early three-quarters of

a million North Americans. A language of this type operates differently from other languages
that are audio-vocal. ASL uses certain parts of the body (gestural) to create “words” or signs
that symbolize concepts and uses the eyes (visual) to “hear” what is being expressed. In
short, a visual-gestural language is built according to the capabilitites of the body and eyes.

All languages have building blocks that create words and sentences. ASL “words” are
composed of building blocks called parameters. One sign is created from the combination of
four parameters, which are handshape, palm orientation, movement and location.

Where individual signs are created by the combination of parameters, sentences are created
by combinations of signs along with non-manual signals (i.e. head movement, eye gaze, and
eyebrow movement). There are different kinds of sentences in ASL. One of them probably
ranks first in importance: it is the kind that includes Classifiers (more explanation is given
about Classifiers on page 7).

These Handshape cards are only an introduction to one of the four parameters, so bear in
mind the importance of the other three. Some handshapes and their use in signs may vary
according to regional and dialectic difference. Some regions may have a handshape that is
not included in this set.

A system of dot coding is provided to help you choose games that are appropriate for your
skill level or the skill level of students.

• basic signing skills (beginners)

• • intermediate signing skills
• • • advanced signing skills
The handshapes on cards 1-40 are commonly used in ASL. Some of the game activities can
be made simpler by using cards 1-20, which are the more common handshapes. To make
the games more difficult use cards 21-40, which are less common. You can use cards 1-40
for all games.

The handshapes on cards 41-43 are called Classifiers. In addition, many ASL
handshapes are also used as Classifiers. (See Classifier Handshape inventory.)
However, they fill a different language function when used as Classifiers. They are
worthy of special attention and emphasis.
1